5G mmW Air Interface Characterization with Phased Array Antenna

Survey the 5G air interface with an integrated, portable solution

Driving technologies behind 5G networks include wider bandwidths, millimeter wave frequencies, as well as massive MIMO and beamforming control and data channels. MIMO leverages multipath transmission in urban environments and beamforming systems that focus energy transmissions to optimally target specific users. This reduces base station power consumption and enables very high signal-to-noise links necessary to overcome millimeter wave channel losses. These advanced technologies dramatically increase the complexity of the radio access network (RAN).

5G operators and network equipment manufacturers will need new over-the-air test tools for network and user equipment (UE) field test, as well as optimization tools to deploy and verify the performance of these networks. Keysight’s FieldFox handheld microwave analyzer combined with a phased array antenna provides a unique, portable solution for measuring and analyzing the 5G air interface in the field.

5G Phased Array Field Test Solution Benefits

• Understand gNB beam characteristics by measuring signal power level across azimuth and elevation from base stations
• Reduce measurement complexity with integrated RF probe and phased array solution to capture energy radiated from gNB
• Calibrated millimeter wave phased array antenna simulates 5G UE antenna performance
• Phased array performance verification showing boresight, polar antenna pattern with compass, and heat map (azimuth vs. elevation)
• Battery powered, no internal fan or vents, and IP53 rated design to test 5G gNB under any condition
• Phased array antenna operating frequency is 28 GHz

FieldFox Microwave Analyzer Supports for

• Both FR1 and FR2 5G bands, up to 54 GHz
• gNB RF parametric test over-the-air in the field
• Millimeter-wave beam sweep survey
• Spectrum analysis, real-time spectrum analysis, transmitter power, adjacent channel power ratio and channel scanner
• LTE FDD/TDD and 5G over-the-air (OTA) measurements

Over-the-Air Measurements for 5G

The key challenges for 5G network deployment are characterizing millimeter wave pathloss and coverage. 5G network technology uses beamforming and massive MIMO to achieve high data rates and the control channels are not always on. To measure the effective coverage, FieldFox 5G NR OTA can measure and display control channel power, physical cell identifier, SSB index and channel signal qualities to gain insight into network utilization and capacity.

Since 5G control channels are based on beamforming technology, and are not always on, this can make it challenging to determine the location of the 5G signal. Switching into RTSA mode on FieldFox can quickly and reliably detect 5G signals, detect control channels and provide insights to beamforming performance.

Carry Precision with You

Every piece of gear in your field kit had to prove its worth. Measuring up and earning a spot is the driving idea behind Keysight’s FieldFox analyzers. They’re equipped to handle routine maintenance, in-depth troubleshooting and anything in between. Better yet, FieldFox delivers precise microwave and millimeter-wave measurements- wherever you need to go. Add FieldFox to your kit and carry precision with you.